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Digital Horizons: UCI's XR Showcase for Next-Gen Campus Innovation

Session Date & Time
-
Session Room
MR 7
Standard Presentation Beginner

We will present a groundbreaking approach to integrating immersive technologies in higher education. This presentation showcases our upcoming "Digital Innovations" event at our admitted students event, demonstrating how XR is revolutionizing university operations, instruction, and student engagement. Attendees will explore 5 innovative XR applications: - Virtual dorm room tours - Meta Workrooms, for hybrid/remote work - VR-based HR training for managers - Virtual labs for new students - AR-enhanced campus tours We'll discuss the planning, implementation, and initial outcomes of these experiences, offering insights into overcoming challenges and measuring success. We will inspire UC campuses to demonstrate their technological leadership and enhance student recruitment. We will cover real-world challenges in admissions, staff training, and student onboarding. Our approach aligns with UC's vision of fostering innovation and places our system at the forefront of education

Speaker/Host

Primary/Host Speaker
Tony Hwang

Tony Hwang

Executive Director for the Office of Enrollment Management at UC Irvine

Tony Hwang serves as the Executive Director for the Office of Enrollment Management at UC Irvine. He supports the Vice Provost in developing and executing the strategic enrollment management plan, guiding and assessing initiatives to meet enrollment goals.

With over two decades of experience in the UC system, Tony has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing student success through innovative strategies and technologies. As a campus leader in integrating emerging technologies, he is actively shaping future-oriented education practices, particularly through his work with XR (Extended Reality) technologies.

Recently, Tony spearheaded a pilot project exploring the integration of XR technology across multiple university departments. This first of its kind initiative at UC Irvine, aimed to evaluate how XR technologies could enrich the educational landscape. The pilot showcased the potential of VR in creating immersive learning environments and illustrated how these technologies could be effectively implemented in higher education to foster greater engagement and contribute to student success.

Co-speaker(s)

Additional Speakers
Jun Xiang

Jun Xiang

BI Analyst at UC Irvine

Jun performs Research & Analytics to inform Strategy & Data-Driven Decision Making for campus leaders and stakeholders. He provides actionable intelligence and consultative services across the campus to support student success. Jun has presented and won numerous awards in national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Nathan Tran

Nathan Tran

Tech Specialist at UC Irvine

Nathan Tran is a Tech Specialist for the Paul Merage School of Business at UCI. He supports staff, faculty, and students as the main point of contact for troubleshooting hardware and software issues. His passion lies in exploring the growth of technology and he is intrigued by how technology continues to shape everyday life.

During the Winter term of 2024, the School of Business hosted a pilot course for Meta VR headsets. The course aimed to demonstrate the benefits of integrating growing technology, such as XR, within the education system. Nathan was given the opportunity to support 40 Meta headsets, which he prepared the devices, managed inventory, and resolved technical issues related to the headsets throughout the course. His experiences have strengthened his interest in immersive technology and inspired him to take on more opportunities integrating XR with the education system.

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